Combined golf shoes and other golfing tools with method

ABSTRACT

Combination of golf shoes and other golfing tools. For example a multi-functional shoe ( 20 ) which includes divot repair-tool ( 22 ), and golf tee ( 46 ). Golf shoes are constructed with holding mechanism ( 32 ) so that divot repair-tool ( 22 ) and or golf tee ( 38 ) may be easily attached to the shoe. Divot repair-tool ( 22 ) may also be constructed with a holding mechanism to attach to an ordinary golf shoe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates to golf shoes containing other removablegolfing tools which are used to penetrate into the surface of a golfcourse, such as a divot repair-tool, or golf tees.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A golfer usually carries some golfing tools such as a divotrepair-tool, tees, and other items in his or her pocket or golf bag.Some of these tools are used to dig in into the teeing ground or theputting green. Unless the tool is cleaned after each use, placing itback in pockets or bag after use soils the hands, clothing, or the golfbag.

[0004] Etiquette requires golfers to repair the indentation caused by aball landing on the putting greens. Normally, a golfer will approach thegreen, pull out a golf surface repair-tool (ball-mark repair-tool/divotrepair tool) from her/his pocket or golf bag, bends down and repairs thedivot, replaces the divot repair-tool in his/her pocket and thenproceeds with the remainder of the putting process. However, this littlefeat is not always welcomed or performed because:

[0005] 1. Many golfers forget to carry their repair-tools to the golfcourse, either in their pockets or in their bags.

[0006] 2. If the repair-tools are in the golf bags, golfers forgets totake it to the green with them (bags being off the green).

[0007] 3. After using a divot repair-tool, the tool is sometimes muddyfrom being dug in ground. Golfers who care about their clothing (mosttour professionals), do not like placing the tool back in their pocket,or their belt. It is too time-consuming to clean the tool with a towelevery time before replacing it in pocket before putting.

[0008] 4. The repair-tool can get lost or mis-placed during the round ofgolf when a golfer has reached inside his pockets many times to retrievetees, money, or other items; and therefore the tool is not available forthe remainder of the round

[0009] 5. It is just one more item to carry in your pocket, making thepocket more bulky.

[0010] 6. Some golfers do not own a repair-tool.

[0011] Some golf courses provide free repair-tools to their patrons inorder to encourage use of the tool in keeping the greens in goodcondition. While this gesture works to some degree, it is not foolproof.Many previous inventions have created repair-tools which are functional,and in some cases combined with other tools such as a brush. U.S. Pat.No. 6,162,137 (2000), U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,443 (2000), U.S. Pat. No.6,102,201 (2000), U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,935 (2000), U.S. Pat. No.6,030,298 (2000), U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,708 (1998), U.S. Pat. No.6,004,229 (1999), U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,208 (1998), U.S. Pat. No.5,517,696 (1996). In U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,950 to Bazzle, et al (1978), aball marker disc is attached to a golf shoe providing ease of use formarking a ball on the surface of the green. However no such provisionsare made for a divot repair-tool. A ball marker usually stays cleanbecause it is only placed on the top surface of the putting green, butthe divot repair-tool becomes gritty from sand or dirt, and placing itback in pocket, soils the clothing.

[0012] Another tool which is of similar fate as the divot repair-tool isthe golf tee. It is often forgotten, and when the golfer retrieves a teewhich is not broken, the tee maybe muddy, and replacing it in the pocketor the bag, soils the clothing and the bag.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 shows a rear view of a golf shoe with a repair-toolattached to the back of the heel, and a protective layer provided underthe repair-tool.

[0014]FIG. 2 shows the cross-sectional of shoe and a repair-toolattached to the golf shoe on a holding mechanism.

[0015]FIG. 3 shows a repair-tool with inside notches in the prongs ofthe tool

[0016]FIG. 4 shows the side view cross section of a golf shoe and arepair-tool, showing a golf shoe equipped with a holding mechanism whichis a rod partially embedded into the heel sole of the shoe.

[0017]FIG. 5 shows the side of the heel of the golf shoe which containstwo holding mechanisms holding a repair-tool with outside notches in theprong of the tool.

[0018]FIG. 6 shows a repair-tool which has a bent shape and is carriedunder the arch of a golf shoe.

[0019]FIG. 7 shows the side view of a golf shoe with a narrowrepair-tool positioned on the side of the sole of the golf shoe.

[0020]FIG. 8 shows a rear view of a golf shoe with a repair-toolattached to the back of the heel with a magnet inside the heel portionof the shoe, and a protective layer built under the repair-tool.

[0021]FIG. 9 shows the side view of shoe and a repair-tool attached tothe golf shoe with a magnet.

[0022]FIG. 10 shows the enlarged view of the rear of the shoe in FIG. 9.This shoe is equipped with a steel member sandwiched in the heel of theshoe, and a magnet in the back of the repair-tool.

[0023]FIG. 11 shows a golf shoe constructed with a holding strapsecuring a standard divot repair-tool, and smaller holding straps forgolf tees.

[0024]FIG. 12 shows a typical golf shoe, and a repair-tool built in asemicircular shape which snaps over the heel of the golf shoe, andhinges at the base of the prongs.

[0025] Reference Numerals In Drawings 20 Golf shoe 22 Divot repair-tool24 Repair-tool handle 26 Repair-tool prong 28 Inside notch 30 Outsidenotch 32 Holding mechanism 34 Protective layer 36 Holding mechanism head38 golf tees 40 Magnet 42 Steel member 44 Heel pad of shoe 46 Golf tee48 Repair-tool holding strap 50 Tee holding strap

SUMMARY

[0026] In accordance with the present invention, a combination of golfshoes and at least one other golfing tool, such as a divot repair-tool,golf tees, cigar holder, club tripod, etc. Attaching one or more ofthese tools to the golf shoe keeps golfer's hands and clothing free ofdirt, as well as making it more convenient to have these tool availableto use when needed.

[0027] Objects and Advantages

[0028] I To keep the golfers clothing from getting dirty from a muddygolfing tool.

[0029] The divot repair-tool or the tees are never placed inside thegolfer's pockets, therefore these items do not soil the clothing.

[0030] II To keep the golfer's hands from getting dirty from a muddygolfing tools.

[0031] The golfer is only touching the top of the divot repair-tool orthe tee, and does not have to handle the tip edge which has beenimbedded into the ground.

[0032] III To make the golf divot repair-tool readily accessible whenneeded.

[0033] Since the golfing tool is always left on or in the shoes, it isnot easily forgotten or lost.

[0034] IV To reduce the number of times a golfer has to clean hisrepair-tool.

[0035] The golfer will only have to clean the tools when the shoes arecleaned. If the tool is very muddy, it can be simply scraped against theedge of the shoe sole, before replacing.

[0036] IV To ensure that every golfer owns a divot repair-tool.

[0037] Providing a repair-tool with every shoe facilitates use of thetool, helps the golf course and other golfers playing the same course,and encourages good etiquette in times when proper behavior on the golfcourse is diminishing.

DESCRIPTION

[0038]FIGS. 1, 2 and 3—Preferred Embodiment.

[0039] The specifications here describe a combination of footwear wornon a golf course, namely a golf shoe 20 and an apparatus for repairingthe surface of a golf course, namely a divot repair-tool 22, creating adual function footwear. FIG. 1 shows the rear view of golf shoe 20 anddivot repair-tool 22. FIG. 2 shows a side-view of the golf shoe, and thedivot repair-tool. A holding mechanism 32 is an extension of the sole ofgolf the shoe, shaped somewhat like a tongue, protruding at an upwardangle to securely hold the repair-tool in place. A protective layer 34is a thin semi-rigid plastic layer such as polyethyleneterephthalateavailable from Eastman Chemical Co. of Kingsport, Tenn. However, theprotective layer can contain any other material that will not showscratch marks and wear-and-tear due to repetitive replacement of therepair tool, such as nylon, rubber, vinyl, polypropylene, polyethylene,various plasticized materials, etc. The protective layer is positionedat the exterior of the heel of the golf shoe, and positioned under thedivot repair-tool. FIG. 3 shows the repair-tool which in this embodimentconsist of repair-tool handle 24 and two divot repair-tool prong 26. Inoverall appearance, the repair tool looks similar to a shortened forkwith a wide handle. Repair tool handle 24 is circular in shapeapproximately 3 centimeters (1.5 inches) in diameter, prongs areapproximately 4 centimeters (2 inches) in length, with ends which narrowtowards the tip. Inside notch 28 are cut from both inside portions ofthe prong. The inside notches are somewhat semicircular in shape andsized to fit snugly over holding mechanism 32.

[0040] Additional Embodiments

[0041] There are various possibilities in selecting a location on a golfshoe where other golfing tools are attached, and methods of attachingrepair-tools to the shoe. Additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12. For example, FIG. 4 shows a holdingmechanism 32 which is a rigid or semi-rigid elongated member imbeddedinto the heel of the shoe, having a holding mechanism head 36 in theshape of the head of a large nail and extending out slightly in order toreceive the repair-tool. FIG. 5 shows a golf shoe holding a repair-toolon the side of the heel. In this embodiment, the repair tool prongs arenotched on the outside edges forming two outside notch 30. Here twoholding mechanisms are provided to hold the repair-tool. FIG. 6 shows arepair-tool positioned underneath the arch of the shoe. In thisembodiment, repair-tool 22 is bent in the mid section between handle andprongs, in order to fit flat against the side of the shoe. FIG. 7 showsa repair-tool placed on the side of the shoe along the sole. In thisembodiment, the repair-tool is narrow in shape in order that it wouldnot be obtrusive.

[0042] In addition or in lieu of the physical catch devices to hold thegolf tool in place, magnetic interaction can be provided for easyremoval and replacement of the repair-tool from the shoe. FIGS. 8, 9 and10 show the details. In this embodiment, the repair-tool, has a magnet40, which is a thin disc positioned in the repair-tool handle. The shoe,contains a steel member 42 which is a thin sheet of steel or materialwith similar properties, sandwiched in heel pad 44 of the shoe, in orderto counteract with magnet 40. Alternatively, the magnet can be placedinside the shoe to attract a steel member of a repair tool.

[0043]FIG. 11, shows a repair-tool holding strap 48 built into the shoeto accommodate carrying any standard divot repair-tools alreadyavailable on the market. This figure also shows three smaller teeholding strap 50 to carry one or more golf tee 46. The repair-tool maybeattached via a magnet, as well a holding mechanism. Just as a golf shoemay be constructed to carry existing divot tools, a repair-tool may beconstructed to fit an existing golf shoe without any modifications tothe shoe. FIG. 12, shows repair-tool handle 24 which is shaped somewhatlike a thin horse-shoe, sized to spring-snap over the heel of any golfshoe. In this embodiment repair-tool prong 26 hinges in the middle backup against the heel of the shoe.

[0044] Alternative Embodiments

[0045] The Repair-tool may be attached to one shoe, either left or rightshoe, or both shoes. Either shoe may house a divot repair-tool, golftees, cigar holder, club tripod, and or any other tool (preferablygolfing tools) which are used to penetrate the surface of a golf course,and are small enough to carry on a shoe without adding significantweight to the golf shoes. A mechanism for a divot repair-tool may beconstructed to be added to a typical golf shoe after the golf shoe ismanufactured. This add-on may be made available with a repair-tool orwithout a repair-tool, separately from the golf shoe. Similar add-onholding mechanisms may also be provided for golf tees and other golfingtools.

[0046] Operation

[0047] As a golfer walks on the green with his putter, he/she bends downto examine where his ball may have indented and damaged the puttingsurface, while still in bending position, if necessary, the golfer pullsrepair-tool 22 from golf shoe 20 which is closest to the area to berepaired, repairs the green, then places the repair-tool back on holdingmechanism 32. He can then proceed with his preparation for putting.Similarly, on a tee-box, the golfer reaches to the area where a ball isto be teed up, bends over and retrieves golf tee 46 from the golf shoe,and tees the ball up. After the tee shot, if the golf tee is broken, thegolfer will toss it in the designated area for broken tees if such areais provided. If the golf tee is still intact, she/he can replace it backonto its holding mechanism, keeping his/her hands and clothing fromgetting soiled.

[0048] Advantages

[0049] Some golfing tools are normally used in the proximity of theground (golf course surface). Therefore, in today's usage, the golferhas to retrieve the tools from his/her pocket or golf bag, then bendover the ground, and after performing the task, place the tool back inhis/her pockets. The proximity of the location where the tool is beingused is close to the golfer's shoes. It makes sense to have these toolslocated ahead of time onto the golf shoe, so that they are notforgotten, are handy to use, and keep the golfer's hands and pocketsfrom getting soiled.

[0050] Placement of some of these tools on the golf shoe makes themeasier to use, requiring less motion than reaching inside ones pockets,and or having to clean the tool and place it back inside ones pocket. Itcombines at least two of the tools of the trade into one, and reducesthe time spent cleaning the tools after every use.

[0051] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

[0052] This invention addresses a simple problem that is faced by everygolfer, in every round of golf. In a very economical manner, it combinesat least two tools in one and makes the golf shoe much more functionalthan other shoes not having this feature. The readiness of therepair-tool will encourage many golfers of all ages and skill levels whowould not normally use a tool to repair the greens after their ballstruck it, to do so, thus helping the golf course as well. It alsoprovides ease of use as well as a redundancy factor. When a repair-toolis provided in both shoes, regardless of which foot is placed forwardclose to the divot, a repair-tool is available and handy.

[0053] When both the golf shoe and the repair-tools are designedspecifically to work together, the shoe manufacturer may expectre-orders on repair-tools, as the standard repair-tools may not workwith those shoe, and the golfer has become used to the convenience ofhaving the tool available when needed. A repair-tool may contain acustomary ball-marker disc. This ball marker positioned on the outsideof the golf shoe, provides a good visible place for a company logo. Thegolf shoes with this feature will be made more noticeable, recognizableand distinctive. Other models of the golf shoe may also be built to holdgolf tees, cigar holder, and or small tripods made to hold a golf cluboff wet grass, making a golf shoe truly multi-functional.

[0054] Although above descriptions are specific, these specificationsshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, butrather provide examples of some of the preferred embodiments of thisinvention. Many other variations are possible. For example, there may beone or many holding mechanisms provided to secure the tools. The holdingmechanism may be metal, plastic, or other material. If a strap isutilized, it can be made of plastic, rubber, metal alloy, or an elasticmaterial in order to hold the repair-tool snug in place at any locationinside or outside the golf shoe. The holding mechanism or therepair-tool may be of any size or color designed to blend with the colorof the shoes or made to contrast and enhance the look of the shoes. Theprotective layer may be omitted for simplicity and or cost.

[0055] Tools may also be made to attach to the golf shoe with a snapfastener, as used in tents or clothing, or magnet or magnets placed inthe tool or the location in the shoe where the tool will be placed.Other types of fasteners such as hook-and-loop attaching means or asuction cup may be used to attach the tool to the shoe. A receptacle ora shield may be built inside the shoe at any location in the sole orabove the top of the shoe to receive a tool. The repair-tool may be madein any shape to fit on the outside or inside the shoes, and stillfunction to repair a divot on a putting green. There may be onerepair-tool in only one shoe, or one in each shoe, or more than one ineither shoe. Placement of magnets in the golf shoe may also providehealing properties associated with use of magnets for injuries orfatigue.

[0056] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

That which is claimed is: 1- A multi-function footwear comprising: (a) afootwear worn on a golf course during a round of Golf, (b) at least oneother golfing tool which is used to penetrate the surface of a golfcourse, attached to said footwear, and (c) holding means for attachingsaid tool to said footwear so as to allow easy coupling and uncouplingof said repair-tool with the footwear when needed, whereby keepinggolfer's hands and clothing from getting soiled. 2- The multi-functionfootwear of claim 1, wherein said holding means is built in permanentlywith the shoe, for carrying said golfing tool with the footwear. 3- Themulti-function footwear of claim 1, wherein said holding means is ofmechanical means. 4- The multi-function footwear of claim 1, whereinsaid holding means is located on the exterior of the footwear. 5- Themulti-function footwear of claim 1, wherein said holding means islocated inside the footwear. 6- The multi-function footwear of claim 1,wherein said holding means is added on the footwear after manufacture ofthe footwear. 7- The multi-function footwear of claim 1, wherein saidholding means is of same material as the sole of the footwear. 8- Themulti-function footwear of claim 1, wherein said holding means is atleast one magnet, whereby to adhere to a golfing tool which contains amaterial which attracts to a magnet. 9- The multi-function footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the footwear further includes a protective layerbetween said golfing tool and the footwear, whereby to protect theexterior of the footwear from the repetitive use of the tool. 10- Themulti-function footwear of claim 10, wherein said protective layer isfurther enhanced to be used as a holding means for the tools. 11- Themulti-function footwear of claim 10, wherein said protective layer isindented to house said golfing tool, whereby said golfing tool does notextend greatly beyond the exterior of the footwear. 12- Themulti-function footwear of claim 1, wherein said golfing tool has atleast one mechanism to attach and reattach to and remove from thefootwear. 13- The multi-function footwear of claim 1, wherein saidgolfing tool is at least one golf tee. 14- The multi-function footwearof claim 1, wherein said golfing tool is an apparatus for repairing thesurface of a golf course. 15- The multi-function footwear of claim 14,wherein said golfing tool further includes at least one magnet as meansfor attaching to the footwear. 16- The multi-function footwear of claim14, wherein said golfing tool is a readily available divot repair-tool.17- The multi-function footwear of claim 14, wherein said golfing toolfurther includes at least one mechanical attaching means to thefootwear. 18- The multi-function footwear of claim 14, wherein saidgolfing tool is constructed for addition to an ordinary golf shoe. 19-In a footwear worn on a golf course, the improvement being addition ofat least one other golfing tool housed inside the footwear, wherebymaking it more convenient to use the tools when needed on the golfcourse. 20- A method of penetrating the surface of a golf course,comprising steps: (a) bending over and retrieving a golfing tool such asa divot repair-tool or a golf tee, from a multi-function footwear, and(b) while in bent position, using said golfing tool for the function itwas designed for, such as repairing the surface of a golf course orteeing up a golf ball, and (c) replacing the tool back onto thefootwear, when necessary.